In the same week that former Chelsea star Willian rolled back the years to shock his previous employers with a goal for Fulham in the West London derby, the Blues could be about to repeat an old trick. The Brazilian was famously close to signing for Tottenham, who were even in the process of conducting his medical before Chelsea arrived with an offer.
In an eery similarity, it was Shakhtar Donetsk that were the selling club on that occasion also as Chelsea signed Willian. In January 2023 it is the Ukraine side again but this time it is Mykhaylo Mudryk getting the attention. He has been Arsenal's priority transfer target since the summer but former Croatia man Darijo Srna is playing hardball over a fee for the player.
Shakhtar want to get a good deal for their 22-year-old star, who they value close to the sums paid for Jack Grealish and Antony. Arsenal's initial bids were only coming in at around £45million but the latest offer of €95million (£84million) is much closer. Chelsea are seeking to bypass the convoluted and complex negotiations, though.
